As caretaker of 262 million acres of land and resources, primarily in the western United States, the Department of the Interiors BLM has long managed a variety of programs, including: cattle grazing; mining; oil and gas development; conservation and restoration of habitat for wildlife, fish, and birds; and development of a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities for the public. In the fast-growing West, where people have met and surpassed the challenge of reaching formerly remote areas in search of adventure, it has become imperative that the BLM conserve and protect the fossils found on public lands. These fossils are important to our understanding of our heritage. The BLM hopes this short guide will help you understand the importance of fossils and appreciate the public lands that preserve these precious remnants of the past.--Page [1]